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Wealth and Power in the New Russia: Uncovering the Secrets of Russia's Elite

David Mitchell

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A Group Of Wealthy Russians At A Party The Oligarchs: Wealth And Power In The New Russia

The Oligarchs: Wealth And Power In The New Russia

by David E Hoffman

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2395 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	596 pages

In the years since the fall of the Soviet Union, a new elite has emerged in Russia, amassing vast wealth and power. These oligarchs, as they are known, have played a major role in shaping the country's politics and economy. But who are they, where did they come from, and how did they acquire their wealth and power?

In this book, investigative journalist and author Mark Galeotti provides a comprehensive guide to the new Russian elite. He draws on years of research and interviews to reveal the sources of their wealth and power, and their impact on the country's politics and economy.

Galeotti begins by examining the origins of the oligarchs. Many of them were former Soviet officials who took advantage of the chaos of the early 1990s to acquire state-owned assets at fire-sale prices. Others were criminals who used their connections to the underworld to build their fortunes.

Once they had acquired their wealth, the oligarchs used it to gain political influence. They bought newspapers and television stations, and they funded political parties and candidates. They also used their wealth to lobby the government, and to bribe officials.

The oligarchs' influence on Russian politics has been both positive and negative. On the one hand, they have helped to stabilize the country and to promote economic growth. On the other hand, they have also contributed to corruption and cronyism.

In recent years, the Russian government has taken steps to rein in the oligarchs. But they remain a powerful force in Russian society. Their wealth and power will continue to shape the country's future.

This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the new Russia. It is a fascinating and revealing account of the oligarchs, their sources of wealth and power, and their impact on the country's politics and economy.

Chapter 1: The Origins of the Oligarchs
Chapter 2: The Sources of Their Wealth
Chapter 3: Their Political Influence
Chapter 4: The Impact on the Economy
Chapter 5: The Future of the Oligarchs